Jobs

FIELD MANAGER - 2025 SEASON

Northwest Corner Farm is a diversified, certified-organic farm producing the highest-quality vegetables, herbs, and other food items using organic and regenerative practices. We are a small operation (half-acre plus high tunnel) using no/low-till practices.

We are seeking a FIELD MANAGER to join our team for our 3rd season (~April - October 2025)

The Field Manager oversees and manages all aspects of the on-farm operation, and collaborates with the Farm Owners on other aspects of the farm business and farm property. 

Together with the Farm Owners, the Field Manager will review and adjust a crop plan that produces vegetables, herbs, and other fresh food items for our wholesale and retail accounts including local schools, restaurants, food banks, and other channels.

The Field Manager then manages the execution of the crop plan, including all on-farm operations from field prep to harvest to wash-pack to post-harvest handling, as well as related responsibilities such as storage management and customer deliveries.

Due to the seasonal nature of intensive vegetable production, the position requires extended availability during the high season (June-August), including some weekends and holidays when necessary (e.g., watering, crop protection, etc.).

The ideal candidate will have a passion for growing high-quality, superior-tasting food using organic and regenerative farming practices. 

Good communication and leadership skills are essential, along with extreme attention to detail. This position requires daily collaboration and interaction with the Farm Owners and the farm crew.

Start date: ~ early April 2025

A successful season as Field Manager can potentially lead to a full-time, year-round position as Farm Manager. Compensation for the 2025 season is DOE (see below).

Field Manager Responsibilities:

On Farm

• Maintain a clean, safe, organized workplace and an inclusive work environment

• Monitor crops and manage all aspects of daily in-season tasks: seed starting, greenhouse management, bed preparation, direct seeding and transplanting, weeding, harvesting, wash/pack (including FSMA produce safety compliance), etc.

• Manage post-harvest crop storage, use best practices for inventory shelf-life (e.g. packaging, bagging, Coolbot monitoring, etc.) in order to avoid food waste and associated revenue loss

• Coordinate wash-pack and delivery of produce for wholesale and retail customers

• Create crew schedules, including weekend coverage as needed, and lead daily morning field crew meetings/check-ins/field walks

• Maintain and protect farm infrastructure such as vehicles, machinery, fencing, row covers, shade cloth, irrigation system, equipment, etc.

• Keep accurate daily records of production activity including harvests, yields, and crop losses

• Keep accurate documentation of organic practices for certification requirements, such as resource use, inputs, and materials

• Implement best practices for IPM and soil health farm-wide, including cover cropping and annual soil and water tests

• Monitor weather conditions continually (including weekends) using existing weather station, sensors, and other technology, and also ensure coverage plans to respond to emergency situations in the greenhouse, in the field, or in the storage areas

Crew Management and Farm Administration

• Train and manage seasonal farm crew; address any staff issues promptly

• Complete and maintain accurate daily activity logs, including climate and weather tracking and recording, crop issues, and harvest yields

• Maintain annual organic certification

• Track farm expenses on a daily and weekly basis, and keep expense ledger current

• Maintain equipment, tools, and consumables inventory

• Subscribe to and (loosely) monitor farming listservs for chances to acquire low-cost materials (e.g., New CT Farmer Alliance, Hudson Valley Young Farmer Collective, etc.)

Collaborating with Farm Owners

• Maintain consistent communication with Farm Owners

• Assist Farm Owners in the growth of wholesale customer relationships

• Be prepared to communicate crop availabilities and “inventory” to Farm Owners on short notice in response to customer inquiries, both harvested and still in the field; as well as proactively communicate sales and revenue potential

• Support ongoing efforts to optimize pricing across all distribution channels

• Actively participate in customer communications

• Provide social media and marketing content (photos, explanations, and weekly field notes) to the Farm Owners, and participate in social media and marketing efforts, as mutually agreed

Requirements and Qualifications:

• The ideal candidate will bring:

  • 3+ years experience in commercial organic farming

  • Working knowledge of plant science, IPM, organic certification

  • Experience in crew management; ability to effectively lead a crew to accomplish time-sensitive tasks

  • Knowledge of general small farm machinery (BCS, mower, etc.)

  • Ability to operate machinery and power tools confidently and safely

  • General carpentry and handyperson skills a plus

  • Ability to lift and carry 50+ pounds repeatedly

  • Ability to work outdoors in nearly all weather conditions

  • Fluency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and equivalent GSuite (Calendars, Gmail, Docs, Sheets), to maintain accurate farm records and collaborate efficiently with Farm Owners

  • Fluency with app-based tools such as shared team calendars on smartphone & laptop, greenhouse monitors, weather reporting, etc.

  • Positive attitude and enthusiasm for sustainable food production

  • Enthusiasm for learning new techniques and practices

  • Resilient against the effects of ongoing climate change, including unpredictable weather and environmental challenges

  • Ability to thrive within an evolving “startup” farm operation

  • Willingness to perform other relevant and appropriate duties as needed, and to work cooperatively with Farm Owners

  • Valid driver’s license and required personal vehicle operator insurance, with reliable transportation

Compensation:

• Salary: $22/hr+ (DOE)

• Potential for performance-based bonus at the end of the season

• 3 paid holidays (or comp days)

• 1 PTO day accrued per month worked

• Gear stipend

• Farm produce throughout the season

• Funding available for career development/professional education

How to apply:

Please complete our online application form where you can attach a short cover note and current resume, and let us know about your interest in and availability for a position on our team. 

Thank you for your interest in Northwest Corner Farm!

Northwest Corner Farm is an equal opportunity employer. We hire without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, HIV/AIDS status, veteran status or any other protected characteristic.